Integrated Hydraulic Sub-Assembly Layout for Faster Cab Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic sub-assemblies in power machines require extensive manufacturing time and resources due to the dispersed arrangement of components, leading to increased costs and complexity in assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic sub-assembly with a single-piece support panel that secures multiple components, including control valves, operator input devices, hydraulic conduits, coolers, and filters, which can be assembled and installed as a unified unit on the power machine, reducing the need for individual component attachment and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are dispersedly arranged and individually attached, then each component can be independently positioned, but manufacturing time and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic components (control valves, operator input devices, conduits, coolers, and filters) onto a single support panel that forms part of the cab structure. This merging of previously dispersed components into one integrated assembly eliminates the need for individual attachment of each component, thereby reducing manufacturing time and assembly complexity while maintaining proper positioning and functionality of all hydraulic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the cab, serves as a mounting surface for all hydraulic components, and acts as an integral part of the machine's framework. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall number of parts required, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of manufacture and time consumption.
2Ease of repair
If multiple components are individually mounted, then each component can be independently maintained, but assembly and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple hydraulic components onto a single support panel, the patent reduces assembly complexity from managing numerous separate mounting operations to handling one integrated assembly. The panel provides a unified structure that simplifies both initial assembly and subsequent maintenance activities, as technicians can access and service all hydraulic components from a single location rather than navigating dispersed arrangements throughout the cab.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components are arranged at various locations and orientations, then functional requirements can be met, but material usage and manufacturing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel consolidates multiple previously separate structural elements into one component, reducing the total material required for manufacturing. By integrating the mounting surface and structural support into a single panel, the patent eliminates redundant materials that would have been needed for separate brackets, mounts, and framing elements, thereby reducing material usage while maintaining all necessary functional arrangements of hydraulic components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic sub-assembly (448) of the present disclosure can be used with a power machine (200). The hydraulic sub-assembly can include a support panel (482) and a plurality of components (486,490,492,496,498) secured to the support panel, to be supported by the support panel relative to the power machine. The plurality of components can include a control valve (486) configured to provide hydraulic control of the work functions. The support panel can be configured to be a structural portion of a cab (250) of the power machine (200).